THE ROLE OF BOOSTERS IN THE RECRUITING OF STUDENT-ATHLETES

Per NCAA regulations, only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be directly involved in the recruiting process. Boosters are not permitted to contact a prospect or his/her family by telephone, letter or in person (on- or off-campus) for the purpose of encouraging participation in the Tech athletics program. These regulations apply to Hokie Club members, alumni, season-ticket holders (past or current) and anyone who has ever donated money to the Tech athletics program.

If you find yourself in a conversation with a prospect or his/her relative(s) and the topic turns to the Tech athletics program, politely explain that NCAA regulations don't permit you to discuss this with them, and direct their questions to the Tech coach in that sport or another staff member.

NCAA Regulations DO permit the following:

• Contacting a Tech coach regarding any prospect that you feel would be a worthy addition to the university and its athletics program.
• Attendance at public functions where prospects may be (such as high school banquets).
• Forwarding newspaper articles regarding prospects to Tech coaches.
• Continuing existing relationships with families that include children of prospect age.

NCAA Regulations DO NOT permit the following:

• Providing a prospect, his/her family or friends with any benefit or special arrangement, including (but not limited to):
  - transportation;
  - meals;
  - admission to an athletics event;
  - costs incurred to attend Tech camp;
  - entertainment;
  - costs incurred to visit campus;
  - free services or discounts;
  - gifts or awards.
• Contacting a prospect's coach, principal or counselor for the purpose of evaluating the prospect; picking up films or transcripts from the prospect's high school, prep school or junior college.
• Assisting in arrangements for a prospect's future financial aid.
• Entertaining or providing tickets to a high school, prep school or junior college coach.

Remember that this is not an all-inclusive list, so please
"ASK BEFORE YOU ACT"

Contact the VIRGINIA TECH COMPLIANCE OFFICE at (540) 231-2937 or email tparker@vt.edu for more information.